Joe's 2011 Gameday Preview: Falcons at Bears

It’s finally here. After lockouts, crazy free agency preseason games and everything else, the Chicago Bears are taking to Solider Field today for regular season action. They’re welcoming in the Atlanta Falcons, whose 13-3 record was the best in the NFC during 2010. Let’s get to some match-ups, shall we?

(0-0)          Atlanta Falcons at
(0-0)          Chicago Bears 

There are few tests for Chicago’s inexperienced offensive tackles I could think of that are worse than what they’re going to see on Sunday from John Abraham and Ray Edwards. Webb and Carimi are going to be dealing with a ton of speed of the edges, which could lead to more than a few hits on Jay Cutler. Cutler is going to have his chances to hit open targets today, but he’ll have them against corners not named Brent Grimes. With the way the Bears’ receivers are without a true number one, look for Grimes to stay on the left side of the field and shut down the receiver across from him, rather than taking one specific individual all game long. Devin Hester or Earl Bennett coming out of the slot are going to find mismatches against lesser corners, so as long as he has time to throw, Cutler must find them. The Falcons run defense was decent in 2010, giving up close to 106 yards a game, but Matt Forte is going to have his opportunities to break out of the backfield.

Switching to the defense’s perspective, there are more than a few weapons to worry about in Atlanta. Their offensive line is big and nasty, built to propel the running game forward. Matt Ryan is quick with his throws out of the pocket, extraordinarily accurate and eager to spread the ball around. It'll be an issue to get pressure on him, even with Julius Peppers. As has been the case the past few years, Roddy White is liable for a big game, as he loves to find the open spots in the cover-two and wait for Ryan to find him. What could give the Bears’ small corners trouble is rookie Julio Jones. At 6’3” with deceptive speed, Jones’ size is an asset. He should get plenty of slants and easy throws early to get him some confidence as they eventually work him down the field. Against the run, the Bears shouldn’t be in too much trouble. Michael Turner is good, sure, but he’s more of a downhill runner and won’t make too many shifts. If the Bears are sure tacklers today, they can contain Turner.

The Odds:
Atlanta is a one point road favorite.

The Prediction:
Uglier than it should be, it’ll be a close loss.  

Two or three. Edwards or Abraham will put my Cutler on the turf at some point.

No message. Just play some football please.

Bear down and Happy Jay Cutler Day!